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Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees. (a) Name a group of organisms that break down the dead leaves and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
a) Name a group of organisms that break down the dead leaves and release mineral ions into the soil.
Answer
The group of organisms that break down dead leaves and release mineral ions into the soil is known as decomposers. This group primarily includes bacteria and fungi, which play a crucial role in the nutrient cycling process.
Step 2
b) Describe how these mineral ions are transported from the roots to the leaves of the plants.
Answer
The mineral ions are transported from the roots to the leaves through a process known as transpiration. In this process, water absorbed by the roots carries the mineral ions upward through the xylem vessels. As water evaporates from the leaf surface, it creates a negative pressure that pulls more water and dissolved minerals up from the roots, ensuring that essential nutrients reach the leaves for photosynthesis.